Driver in Bellingham chase involved in earlier fatality

BELLINGHAM — A driver who led police on a chase in Bellingham last weekend previously led officers on another pursuit — one that led to the death of a Whatcom County sheriff’s deputy 11 years ago.

The Bellingham Herald reported that Adrian G. Sassen Van Elsloo drove more than 60 mph in a 20 mph zone when an officer tried to stop him for an illegal U-turn on Sept. 7. He eventually bolted from the car, and officers haven’t found him.

Sassen Van Elsloo led sheriff’s deputies on a chase in 2001 that led to Deputy Matt Herzog’s death. Herzog was riding in a patrol car driven by a deputy-in-training, who lost control and hit a tree

Sassen Van Elsloo was sentenced to more than four years in prison in 2002 for eluding and hit-and-run.

The day of the most recent chase, Sassen Van Elsloo was due in court to face a slew of driving and drug charges.